Pune Woman Among Pilots Saves 140 Passengers On Trichy Sharjah Flight In Mid-Air Emergency
Pune Woman Among Pilots Saves 140 Passengers On Trichy Sharjah Flight In Mid-Air Emergency
Pune / Trichy:Â Maitreyii Shitole, a young woman from Pune, showcased exceptional bravery by saving 140 passengers during a mid-air emergency at 36,000 feet.Â
The incident occurred when an Air India Express flight, IX 613, was en route from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, to Sharjah. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft’s landing gear hydraulic system failed, putting the lives of all 140 passengers in jeopardy. As panic set in among the passengers, Maitreyii, serving as the co-pilot, managed the crisis with remarkable composure and skill.
Upon discovering the hydraulic failure, the flight crew received instructions to return to Tiruchirappalli Airport for an emergency landing. The situation created chaos at the airport, prompting officials to call in more than 20 ambulances and firefighting teams for safety. With determination, Maitreyii and the pilot, Krom Rifadli, worked diligently to land the aircraft safely. Their efforts paid off, and the flight landed without incident, prompting celebrations among passengers and crew.
She completed her professional pilot training in New Zealand and worked there for a while before returning to India, where she began her career as a ground inspector.
Maitreyii’s training included expertise in air navigation and technical aspects of flying, along with specialized training to work under pressure. Her quick thinking and training were pivotal in averting a potential tragedy.
